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IntroductionAdministrative data are commonly used for a variety of secondary purposes. Although they lack clinical detail and risk factor information, linkage to primary care electronic medical records (EMR) could fill this gap. Primary care EMRs are a relatively new data source available in Alberta and thus, EMR-administrative linkages are novel.

Objectives and ApproachTo describe the process undertaken for linking de-identified primary care EMR data from two regional Alberta networks of the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN) with administrative data (hospital admissions, emergency department visits, pharmacy information) from Alberta Health Services Analytics, specifically as it relates to a study on patients with complex, chronic diseases. As this linkage process is new in Alberta, we will describe the challenges encountered and possible solutions to inform future data linkage for research studies.

Current and potential solutions will be discussed during the presentation.

Conclusion/ImplicationsAs primary care EMR and administrative data become more routinely linked and accepted, the process will become more efficient and streamlined. These data will contribute to a better understanding of patients and their care in Alberta.